Colonel Catherine Elizabeth DeVera

Colonel Catherine Elizabeth (Higley) DeVera peacefully passed on to eternal life on June 4, 2024, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was 62. Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.  She was also a decorated Air Force veteran.  

Born on November 3, 1961, to George Higley and Joan (Lucie) Higley, she grew up in Salem, MA and attended St Mary’s High School, Lynn, MA. During high school she was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in various clubs and sports, earning varsity letters in cross-country, swimming, basketball and track.  She continued her education at St Michael’s College in Vermont, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a concentration in Business Administration. While at St Mike’s, she was a member of the Women’s Swim team and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Upon graduation, she was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.  Colonel DeVera’s thirty years of Air Force service included assignments in the U.S. and overseas, serving on both active duty and in the Air Force Reserve. While in the Air Force she continued her education, earning a Master of Science Degree from Boston University in Business Administration. After retiring from the Air Force, Cathy continued to serve others by working in the Business Office of Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento, CA.

While stationed in Germany she met the love of her life, Hal.  Together they shared many adventures, including skiing in Europe and the U.S., sailing on both U.S. coasts and in French Polynesia, biking, and camping in their van.  The best adventure came when their daughter Lauren was born. She was a kind, smart and wonderful child who grew up to be a trusted friend, and the light and laughter of the family. Spending time with family and friends brought Cathy her greatest joy.  

Throughout her life, Cathy enjoyed many hobbies including swimming, running, skiing, sailing, walking, yoga, biking, knitting, sewing, cooking, playing board games and card games, jigsaw puzzles,  reading and traveling.  Above all, the center of Cathy’s life was her family.  

Cathy faced her cancer challenge with faith, courage, grace and a positive attitude. She maintained her sense of humor to the end. She will be remembered for her warm smile, wonderful sense of humor and her gracious, grateful, generous, compassionate and kind personality.  She was a very special person who found goodness in everyone she met.  This world is a better place because she lived.  Her legacy of love lives on in all who knew her.
Cathy was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband Hal and daughter Lauren DeVera-Martin (Josh Martin). She is also survived by her siblings: Mary (Mike) Hittmeier, George (Marilynn) Higley, and Helen (Douglas) Stock. Additionally, she is survived by several nieces and nephews: Lindsey (Greg) Gerbus, Natalie Hittmeier (Connor Hayes), Jonathon (Courtney) Higley, Justin Higley, Meghan (Dillon) Bates, Winston Stock, and Meredith Stock,  grandnephew Landon Higley, and grandniece Sloane Bates.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 11 from 5:00-8:00 PM at St James Catholic Church, 1275 B Street, Davis CA, with a rosary at 6:30 PM.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 12, at 10:00 AM at St James Catholic Church, followed by the Rite of Committal at Davis Cemetery.

Her family is grateful for the care she received from the UC Davis Medical Center.

Cathy treasured her time at St Michael’s College and the lifelong friends she met there. Her ability to attend St Mike’s was made possible, in part, by financial aid awarded by the college. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to Saint Michaels College, Winooski VT, Scholarships: https://engage.smcvt.edu/give
Designation: Scholarships. Comment: In memory of Catherine E. (Higley) DeVera class of 1983.